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MOOD SWINGS AND DEPRESSION
Many women in the menopausal transition report distressing symptoms such as irritability, frequent crying, sleep problems, fatigue, and decreased memory and concentration that can lead to emotional ups and downs. The way you can determine if you are having mood swings is to observe if they are outside the range of your usual highs and lows and if they are more intense than the situation calls for. If you experienced these symptoms during PMS, they will most likely be exaggerated during perimenopause. Women who have had a hysterectomy are more likely to experience menopause-related depression. Another trigger of mood swings is abruptly halting hormone therapy, rather than tapering it off slowly.
Depression, the serious form of low moods, is experienced as a depressed mood along with at least 4 of the following symptoms:- Diminished interest/pleasure in daily activities
- Significant weight loss or weight gain
- Insomnia or hypersomnia (oversleeping)
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or false guilt
- Diminished ability to think, concentrate, make decisions
- Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
All women know that there is an association between hormones and moods. Women typically adjust to their hormonal cycles during reproductive years, but this rhythm changes during perimenopause, creating the challenge for yet another adjustment, this time to an unpredictable rhythm. While not supported by scientific studies, one of the most likely causes of mood swings is the fluctuation of hormones because mood swings tend to occur during PMS, postpartum, and perimenopause, all phases when hormones clearly are shifting erratically.
Additional causes of midlife mood swings and depression can fill up a mile-long list, some of which are increased stress in relationships or jobs, difficulty major life events, a newly diagnosed or chronic physical ailment, the resurgence of unresolved psychosocial conflicts from earlier stages in life, and nutritional deficits.
The menopausal transition inevitably contains more changes than any other time in women’s adult lives. You can create more balance between caring for yourself as well as your children, partner, parents, and friends. Coming into your own power and wisdom is a key opportunity – getting connected with your dreams and visions and starting to follow them.
Finding solutions for your mood swings and depression is crucial so you can experience menopause as a positive passage of life – one that will usher you into your midlife wisdom and power. Wise Passage is here to collaborate with you to find successful solutions for your symptoms that are holistic and customized. Now is the time to feel better!- If you are ready to pursue feeling better now, take our free online assessment. It’s quick and educational.
- If you are ready for a Personal Menopause Advisor, you can connect with a compassionate, Wise Passage Nurse Consultant who will insure that you find relief from your symptoms based on your personal preferences. Sessions include the Menopause Wisdom Guides.
- If you want to go even deeper with your menopause education efforts, we recommend that you explore our 60 Menopause Wisdom Guides written by an RN, a Nurse Practitioner, and an OB/GYN physician.
- Do you have more questions and concerns? We are available to address whatever is on your mind. Call Wise Passage at 1-800-456-3623 to talk with a customer service representative.
Note: Serious depression indicates the need for an evaluation by a healthcare provider during an in-person visit. |
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